Embossing tool

ABSTRACT

A hand held tape embossing tool of small dimensions in which the movement of the operating handle is in a plane parallel to that of the embossing dies. The tool is therefore relatively flat and may be conveniently carried in the user&#39;&#39;s pocket. A minimum number of parts are required, and except for metal fastening screws and two metal spring members, the entire tool is injection molded from suitable plastic material. The small number of parts results in low production costs while still providing proper and adequate operational characteristics. A novel form of embossing punch is utilized which has a cam actuated relationship with the operating handle. Tape feed is provided by a knurled feed wheel which is resiliently urged towards the tape strip to insure adequate frictional contact therewith. The feed wheel is rotationally moved during return movement of the handle, i.e., after the embossing operation, and a unique detent is provided to prevent contra rotation of the wheel.

United States Patent [191 June 28, 1974 Davis EMBOSSING TOOL [75] Inventor: Bobby A. Davis, San Pablo, Calif. [73] Assignee: Dymo Industries Inc., Emeryville,

Calif.

[22] Filed: Oct. 24, 1 972 [2]] Appl. No.: 300,269

[52] US. Cl. 197/67, 101/18 [51] Int. Cl B4lj 1/30 [58] Field of Search 197/67; 101/18 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,124,230 3/1964 Bustamante l0l/l8 3,239,048 3/1966 Bogeans l97/6.7 3,280,954 10/1966 Bremer ct a1... l97/6.7 3,307,674 3/1967 Massen et a1... l97/6.7 3,323,629 6/1967 Stettner 197/67 3,330,397 7/1967 Schwartz et al. l97/6.7 3,354,999 11/1967 Bucalo l97/6.7 3,587,810 6/1971 Alper l97/6.7 3,633,722 1/1972 Bone l97/6.7 3,664,477 5/1972 Bermer 'l97/6.7 3,704,771 12/1972 Corte l97/6.7

Primary ExaminerRobe'rt E. Pulfrey Assistant ExaminerWilliam Pieprz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Harris Zimmerman 5 7] ABSTRACT A novel form of embossing punch is utilized which has a cam actuated relationship with the operating handle; Tape feed is provided by a knurled feed wheel which is resiliently urged towards the tape strip to insure adequate frictional contact therewith. The feed wheel is rotationally moved during return movement of the handle, i.e., after the embossing operation, and a unique detent is provided to prevent contra rotation of the wheel.

11 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures EMBOSSING TOOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hand held and hand operated embossing tools have acquired a significant market position in the field of onthe-spot identification devices. More particularly, such tools have achieved outstanding success in the embossing of plastic strips or tapes of the general type disclosed in Souza US. Pat. Nos. 2,996,822; 3,036,945, and 2,925,625.

Since the earlier developments of all metal, relatively complex, bulky and rather expensive tools, various changes and improvements have taken place to reduce the number of parts and simplify the construction and operation of the tools, reduce the cost, and reduce the size. These past improvements have been well received, but still did not result in a tool which is extremely simple and low cost in production, and which can be readily placed in the pocket of a shirt, jacket or trousers, and yet which will produce embossing of equivalent performance and dependability as larger and/or more expensive machines.

It is towards such a miniature, compact, flat embossing tool that the present invention is directed.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the embossing tool of the present invention in assembled condition;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tool with portions of the upper housing being broken away to illustrate the internal constructional details;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and illustrating the normal position of the parts;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating the position of the parts upon actuation of the handle;

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line 5-5 of FIG. 2, and illustrating one position of the anti back-up detent;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but illustrating the detent in its operativeposition;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of the handle structure and embossing punch;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line 88 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a portion of the housing and certain internal parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The tool 10 of the present invention, best shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing, is small, measuring about 4 inches by 2 inches in plan, and about three quarters of an inch in its maximum depth or thickness. The small overall dimensions are made possible by the constructional features presently to bedescribed, while the minimal thickness is permitted by reason of the fact that the handle actuation or movement for effecting embossing and advancing of the tape is in a plane parallel to the plane of the embossing dies instead of normal thereto, as is the case with most embossing tools.

In broad terms, the tool 10 generally includes an upper body 12 a lower body 14, embossing dies 16, and an actuating handle 18. Other structural components will be described in connection with a description 2 of the above, and/or in explaining the operation of the tool.

The upper and lower body portions receive the handle l8 therebetween, and the latter is movable from its normal position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 to its die actuating position illustrated in FIG. 4 by a squeezing of the handle against the resiliency of a spring 20.

The upper body 12 has a generally flat portion 22 with an angular coplanar extension 24, each having downtumed flanges 26 around the same. The front edge of portion 22 is provided with a projection 28 which absorbs the embossing pressure and serves as an index mark for the embossing dies 16. Extending forwardly from the frontmost flange 26 is a tape channel or guide 30 extending transversely of the tool, and having a width generally conforming to the width of the tape (not shown) which is to be embossed. The front flange 26 and adjacent tape channel has a first opening 32 and a second opening 34 extending therethrough for a purpose to be hereinafter described. Extending forwardly from guide 30 and slightly below the plane thereof is a partial generally circular die receiving platform 36 with a slot disposed between the platfonn and guide.

Aside from conventional pin-receiving aperture 40 in platform 36, the latter has a small upstanding flange 41 along portions thereof for restraining lateral movement of the dies relative to the housing, to prevent damage to the male die, and to prevent injury to the user. As will be understood, the dies 16 include an upper female die 42 and a segmented lower male die 44, each character on the latter being selectively movable towards its female counterpart to emboss a tape positioned therebetween. As will be understood, when the dies 16 are positioned on the platform 36, the lower die 44 will overlie the guide as well as a tape strip which may be positioned thereon. The lower die is selectively caused to move upwardly through opening 34 in a manner hereinafter described.

Lower body portion 14 is generally symmetrical to upper body 12 with suitable projections and slots on confronting or opposed portions to permit the body portions to be connected together and fastened by suitable screws or the like.

A flat portion 46 on the lower body is opposed to upper body portion 22 and defines a chamber 48 in which the operating portions of the device are generally disposed. Handle 18 is movable into said chamber, the handle having opposed walls .50, an outer serrated trigger portion 52 and a forward flat extension 54 which underlies the dies 16 and which is journalled on a circular boss 56 extending upwardly from a portion 58 of the lower body which underlies platform 36 and between which dies 16 are disposed. Aperture 60 in extension 54 permits movement of the handle about boss 56 between its limits of movement previously mentioned, with spring 20 urging the handle to its normal outward inoperative position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but which, upon squeezing of the handle, moves inwardly.

opening 62 having a sloping cam surface 64 extending upwardly and outwardly towards the serrated edge 52 of the handle. Extending downwardly into opening 62 is a cam 66 carried at one end of a flat arm 68 whose other end is provided with extensions 70, 72 respectively seated in the upper and lower housings or body portions. Extending in the opposite direction from cam 66, Le, upwardly, from arm 68 is an embossing punch 74 which normally underlies the segments of the lower die 44, as shown in H0. 3, in general alignment with the index projection 28. However, as the handle is squeezed against the action of spring 20, the handle extension is rocked about its pivot, causing cam 66 to rise upwardly on cam surface 64, and causing the die punch 74 to raise the aligned lower die segment 44a into embossing position, as illustrated in FIG. 4..

Additionally, in the tool of the present invention, just as in the case with conventional prior art devices, return of the handle to its normal inoperative position causes an advance of the tape on the guide channel 30 but with constructional features not found in the prior art. As illustrated, the lower body is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced supports 76, 78 and journalled for rotation in such supports is a longitudinally extending member which, going from rear to front of the tool, comprises a stub shaft 80, a toothed ratchet 82 and a serrated tape feed wheel 84. The forward end of the member has an axial bore in which a cylindrical coil spring 86 is positioned. As noted, shaft 80 is seated in support 78, and spring 86 is seated in support 76 whereby the ratchet and wheel may be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The upper edge portion of wheel 82 projects through opening 32 so as to engage the lower surface of a tape strip (not shown) supported on the channel. The spring resiliently maintains the tape advance wheel in its operative position, and is adapted to cooperate with a tape backup element to be later described. To effect the aforementioned tape advance, the wheel 84 and its associated ratchet wheel 82 must be rotated clockwise (as viewed in FIGS. 6 and 5), and this is effected by means of a dog 88 projecting downwardly from an arm 90 and normally engageable with the ratchet wheel teeth. When the handle is squeezed, the dog will slide over the teeth, moving from'the position shown in FIG. 5 to that shown in FIG. 6. Return or contra movement will cause the dog to engage the teeth in such manner as to rotate the ratchet and the wheel carried thereon. During forward handle movement, means presently to be described are provided to prevent rotation of ratchet 82 and wheel 84 in any counterclockwise direction.

A part 92 serves three separate and distinct functions. First, it serves as an anti back-up detent for ratchet 82. Secondly, it functions as a back-up anvil in closely spaced relation to wheel 84 so the tape may be clamped therebetween. Thirdly, it provides a detent for the positioning of the embossing dies at selected positions of rotation.

The member 92 is provided with an aperture in its upper surface by means of which the same may be mounted on a stud 94 extending downwardly from upper body portion 12. Subjacent the aperture is a flat anvil 96 in confronting relation to wheel 84 for the purpose above described. A horizontal first arm 98 resiliently engages a side wall of the upper body, and a laterally and forwardly extending second arm 100 provides a detent which click engages indentations 102 along the periphery of upper die 42 for properly positioning a desired indicia in line or in registration with the embossing punch 74. A downwardly directed curved element 104 engages the ratchet teeth in such manner as to prevent counterclockwise rotation during actuation of the handle, but permits desired clockwise ratchet rotation upon return of the handle to its normal position.

By reason of the constructional features above defined and the multi-functioning of certain of the parts, the objectives and features of this invention have been met, and a flat, simple, economical tool of sub-normal dimensions is produced.

I claim:

1. An embossing tool comprising a generally fiat rectangular body,

a tape guide channel formed integrally with and disposed on an exterior surface of said body, extending transversely along a medial portion thereof,

embossing dies, comprising first and second die elements, rotatably mounted on said body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the plane of said body, said first and second die elements being disposed respectively in planes parallel to that of said body,

an actuating handle journalled on said body adjacent one end thereof and about said axis for oscillating movement on said body in a plane parallel to that of said body, said handle including an integral fiat portion disposed within said body,

a transversely extending arm disposed in said body between said handle portion and said channel and in tangential relation to said dies, one end of said arm having a die engaging element extending in a first direction toward said channel and a cam element extending in a contra direction toward said handle portion, the other end of said arm being secured to said body, said handle portion having a cam surface between said journalled end and the other end thereof and engaging said cam element for moving said die engaging element towards said dies upon movement of said handle in one direction and away from said dies upon movement of said handle in a contra direction, said cam surface articulating said one end of said arm in a plane generally normal to the major longitudinal axis of said body, generally normal to the plane of said tape guide channel, and generally normal to the plane of said oscillating movement of said handle.

2. A tool as set forth in claim 1, said dies respectively overlying and underlying said channel, said channel having an opening therein aligned with and overlying said die engaging element.

3. A tool as set forth in claim 2 in which said tool is of generally flat rectangular configuration, and said guide extends across a minor rectangular axis of said body, said body including a first planar portion on which said first die elements are positioned, a second parallel spaced planar portion defining a hand grip portion, and a third parallel spaced portion lying intermediate said first and second portions and defining said tape guide channel.

4. A tool as set forth in claim 2 including a tape advance wheel mounted on said body for rotation about an axis lying in a plane parallel to the plane of said body, said tape guide channel having a second opening therein spaced from said first mentioned opening and overlying said wheel, a peripheral portion of said wheel extending through said second opening, resilient means urging said wheel upwards towards said opening, and means for rotating said wheel in one direction upon movement of said handle in said contra direction.

5. A tool as set forth in claim 4 in which said last named means includes a ratchet connected to said wheel, said handle having a depending dog engageable with said ratchet.

6. A tool as set forth in claim 5 including a pawl carried by said body and engageable with said ratchet for limiting rotation of the latter to said one direction.

7. A tool as set forth in claim 1 in which said body has a pair of opposed, confronting and interlocking sections, and an end portion of said handle opposite the journalled end thereof emerging from between said sections and disposed completely between the planes defined by the upper and lower surfaces of said body.

8. A tool as set forth in claim 7 in which one of said sections has a die-receiving platform for positioning said planes of said first and second die elements completely between the planes defined by said upper and lower surfaces of said body.

9. A- tool as set forth in claim 8 in which said guide channel lies in a plane completely intermediate the planes defined by said upper and lower surfaces of said body.

10. A tool as set forth in claim 1 in which said handle has an opening receiving said cam element, and said cam surface defining one edge portion of said opening.

11. An embossing tool comprising:

a generally flat body;

embossing dies rotatably mounted on said body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the plane of said body, said dies being disposed in a plane parallel to that of said body;

an actuating handle journalled adjacent one end thereof about said axis for oscillating movement on said body in a plane parallel to that of said body;

a die punch member carried on said body and including a first die engaging element and a spaced cam element, said handle having a cam surface between said journalled end and the other end thereof engageable with said cam element for moving said die engaging element toward said dies upon movement of said handle in one direction and away from said dies upon movement of said handle in a contra direction;

a tape guide channel formed as an integral part of said body, said dies respectively overlying and underlying said channel, said channel having an opening therein aligned with and overlying said die engaging element;

a tape advance wheel mounted on said body for rota tion about an axis lying in a plane parallel to the plane of said body, said tape guide channel having a second opening therein spaced from said first mentioned opening and overlying said wheel, a peripheral portion of said wheel extending through said second opening;

resilient means urging said wheel upwards toward said opening;

means for rotating said wheel in one direction upon movement of said handle in said contra direction, said last named means including a ratchet con- I nected to said wheel, said handle having a depending dog engageable with said ratchet;

a pawl carried by said body and engageable with said ratchet for limiting rotation of the latter to said one direction;

a back-up anvil formed integrally with said pawl and extending downwardly over said second opening in opposed confronting relation to said tape advance wheel;

and a detent formed integrally with said pawl and said back-up anvil engaging a peripheral portion of said dies for selectively positioning the latter in desired positions for rotational adjustment. 

1. An embossing tool comprising a generally flat rectangular body, a tape guide channel formed integrally with and disposed on an exterior surface of said body, extending transversely along a medial portion thereof, embossing dies, comprising first and second die elements, rotatably mounted on said body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the plane of said body, said first and second die elements being disposed respectively in planes parallel to that of said body, an actuating handle journalled on said body adjacent one end thereof and about said axis for oscillating movement on said body in a plane parallel to that of said body, said handle including an integral flat portion disposed within said body, a transversely extending arm disposed in said body between said handle portion and said channel and in tangential relation to said dies, one end of said arm having a die engaging element extending in a first direction toward said channel and a cam element extending in a contra direction toward said handle portion, the other end of said arm being secured to said body, said handle portion having a cam surface between said journalled end and the other end thereof and engaging said cam element for moving said die engaging element towards said dies upon movement of said handle in one direction and away from said dies upon movement of said handle in a contra direction, said cam surface articulating said one end of said arm in a plane generally normal to the major longitudinal axis of said body, generally normal to the plane of said tape guide channel, and generally normal to the plane of said oscillating movement of said handle.
 2. A tool as set forth in claim 1, said dies respectively overlying and underlying said channel, said channel having an opening therein aligned with and overlying said die engaging element.
 3. A tool as set forth in claim 2 in which said tool is of generally flat rectangular configuration, and said guide extends across a minor rectangular axis of said body, said body including a first planar portion on which said first die elements are positioned, a second parallel spaced planar portion defining a hand grip portion, and a third parallel spaced portion lying intermediate said first and second portions and defining said tape guide channel.
 4. A tool as set forth in claim 2 including a tape advance wheel mounted on said body for rotation about an axis lying in a plane parallel to the plane of said body, said tape guide channel having a second opening therein spaced from said first mentioned opening and overlying said wheel, a peripheral portion of said wheel extending through said second opening, resilient means urging said wheel upwards towards said opening, and means for rotating said wheel in one direction upon movement of said handle in said contra direction.
 5. A tool as set forth in claim 4 in which said last named means includes a ratchet connected to said wheel, said handle having a depending dog engageable with said ratchet.
 6. A tool as set forth in claim 5 including a pawl carried by said body and engageable with said ratchet for limiting rotation of the latter to said one direction.
 7. A tool as set forth in claim 1 in which said body has a pair of opposed, confronting and interlocking sections, and an end portion of said handle opposite the journalled end thereof emerging from between said sections and disposed completely between the planes defined by the upper and lower surfaces of said body.
 8. A tool as set forth in claim 7 in which one of said sections has a die-receiving platform for positioning said planes of said first and second die elements completely between the planes defined by said upper and lower surfaces of saiD body.
 9. A tool as set forth in claim 8 in which said guide channel lies in a plane completely intermediate the planes defined by said upper and lower surfaces of said body.
 10. A tool as set forth in claim 1 in which said handle has an opening receiving said cam element, and said cam surface defining one edge portion of said opening.
 11. An embossing tool comprising: a generally flat body; embossing dies rotatably mounted on said body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the plane of said body, said dies being disposed in a plane parallel to that of said body; an actuating handle journalled adjacent one end thereof about said axis for oscillating movement on said body in a plane parallel to that of said body; a die punch member carried on said body and including a first die engaging element and a spaced cam element, said handle having a cam surface between said journalled end and the other end thereof engageable with said cam element for moving said die engaging element toward said dies upon movement of said handle in one direction and away from said dies upon movement of said handle in a contra direction; a tape guide channel formed as an integral part of said body, said dies respectively overlying and underlying said channel, said channel having an opening therein aligned with and overlying said die engaging element; a tape advance wheel mounted on said body for rotation about an axis lying in a plane parallel to the plane of said body, said tape guide channel having a second opening therein spaced from said first mentioned opening and overlying said wheel, a peripheral portion of said wheel extending through said second opening; resilient means urging said wheel upwards toward said opening; means for rotating said wheel in one direction upon movement of said handle in said contra direction, said last named means including a ratchet connected to said wheel, said handle having a depending dog engageable with said ratchet; a pawl carried by said body and engageable with said ratchet for limiting rotation of the latter to said one direction; a back-up anvil formed integrally with said pawl and extending downwardly over said second opening in opposed confronting relation to said tape advance wheel; and a detent formed integrally with said pawl and said back-up anvil engaging a peripheral portion of said dies for selectively positioning the latter in desired positions for rotational adjustment. 